Yoga Etiquette

I think it’s important that we all cover basic yoga etiquette for new and seasoned practitioners. In my classes I say there is only one rule: no pain. Truthfully, these are some considerate ways, rules if you will, of attending a class with your community. I think some of these are obvious common sense things but you will be surprised how often allot of these happen: 

These are in no particular order:

When you enter any studio, large or small, enter as a whisper, you have entered the quiet zone. We tell our children “use your inside voice”, well in a yoga studio, use lower than inside voice. Not only are classes being conducted at multiple times, but there are often private classes going on and massage therapy occurring. So be a whisper.

Take your shoes off before entering the yoga class room. Not only is it hygienic, it’s tradition and shows respect for the classroom.

No talking. Once you enter the class room you should limit your talking to close to null. If you have a question or need to tell the instructor something, that is understandable and welcomed, but chatting it up with your friends about your day side by side on your mats, not cool. Some students arrive early to the class room to find quiet and need the calm before the storm in certain classes so be mindful of unnecessary chatter. 

Yoga + gum = a major negative. I see this time and time again, people beginning the class in meditation and chewing gum.  Evolation instructor Summer Crawford says it best: “I ask gum-chewers to leave the room and spit it out … the last thing I need is to have to perform the Heimlich maneuver after a backbend!” 

No cell phones, please turn them off, or on silent. I am a mother of a 4-year-old and often need to have my phone by my mat, but it’s always on silent, no vibration. There is nothing worse than a phone going off at the end of class during savasana.

Late arrivals. If you get to class late, and the meditation has started, waiting outside till it’s completed is the most considerate thing to do, unless the instructor has waved you in. Now in saying that, enter very quietly, find the closest place that you can lay your mat down and do it as quiet as a little yogic mouse. 

Roll out your mat QUIETLY. It is really unsettling to hear a mat be WHIPPED out and slammed down during mediation. It’s just as easy to set it down and gently quietly roll out the mat into position.

Territory. Don't ask for someone’s else spot if they are in a place you prefer, it’s disruptive. If the place is packed and more people are coming in, it's thoughtful to help make room for them if the teacher hasn't already. Two fingers distance is all you really need in-between mats so don't become territorial, open your heart to making room, and it will make that person feel more welcome than you can imagine.

Be clean. Yoga Instructor, Lana A. LaBonte, said: “Don’t smoke or wear perfume before class, this distracts others.” I agree with one and will take it one step further; if you can take a shower before you practice this is ideal. It’s hard I know when you are coming from work, but some studios have showers or you can give yourself a quick sponge bath if you plan ahead. People can be highly sensitive to chemical's in perfumes and colognes, and get physically sick, so try to be respectful and aware of this one. 

Always bring a towel for yourself. Some studios provide them, but you are better to be safe than sorry. If you are big sweater, as I am, bring a large one and a small one. If you are in a vinyasa style class or hot yoga you will sweat, A LOT. So please wipe yourself off and around your mat before you leave the room, PLEASE. There is nothing worse than stepping in someone else’s body fluid, inside the class room, but especially outside of the classroom, really Namaste everyone, but yuck! 

Stay within the practice. A number of my colleges mentioned students going off in another direction or pose from what is being taught as a distraction. We as students need to stay as close as we can to the instruction given. Don’t do drastically different movements, away from what the instructor. Like doing a handstand in the middle of holding warrior II.  “It distracts and confuses others,” explained LaBonte. If you need modifications, let that modification be in the same family of posture as what is being called. 

In yoga we look for guidance away from distraction. So these simple rules of etiquette are just ways for all of us to help each other be less distracted.

I mean really, will it matter next week, next year, next month, if the guy who came late and slammed his mat down, was stinky and answered a text while chewing gum ended up next to you?  It won’t matter in the least.

Namaste!